Dáil backs bill banning non-recyclable plastic cutlery by 2020

Opposition plans to ban non-recyclable plastic cutlery by 2020 and pay people to hand in plastic bottles have been backed by the Dáil — despite government concerns the €276m annual extra cost will create another PPARS.

The Greens’ bill was supported by Fianna Fáil, Labour, Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats and Independent opposition groups last night amid growing concerns about the impact of surging waste piles on the Irish and international environment.

While the Government did not to oppose the bill, Environment Minister Denis Naughten has insisted the proposed law now undergoes pre-legislative scrutiny over where money needed to pay for the plan can be found.